Trip to Hogenekal

Hi,

High lights of the Trip to Hogenekal. 

Date: 7th September 2005

Team: Jordan, Goldie, Raja, Habib, Somu, Satya, Rajesh, Anand, Krishna, Leela and Sarma.

Route: Bangalore->Hosur->Krishnagiri->Dharmapuri->Hogenakkal

0335: Missed the alarm in Habib's phone which he switched off and slept and luckily woke up by the backup alarm. Packed the food and bags.

0405: The cab came. It was showering form the time we got up.

0430: At the Anand's room to check the status. Satya helped in waking up people. Krishna busy in packing food. Some of them waiting for their turn to take bath.

0450: All set to go, boarded the Van and started the journey. Few of the guys slept and others with their own enjoyment, chatting, playing cards.

0530: At Hosur paying up the tax in the Check Post.

0720: At Dharmapuri. Had a nice break fast.  Sheik (along with his camel) was sleeping in the cab while every one had their breakfast as Mr. Sun didn't come upto the Tamarind Tree.

0830: Almost near the Hogenakal. Everyone is up in their spirits after having the breakfast and recharging themselves at Dharmapuri, doing all the nonsense possible and also enjoying the Ghat road which was beginning for the exciting landscapes by the nature.

0840: Stepped down at Hogenekal. Its been showering all the way. With those showers looking perfect for the outing. We hoped that it won't increase. Mr. Sun didn't turned up yet. While every one was busy in deciding what needs to be taken out, a large crowd gathered outside. As we stepped outside the all started asking to take the boat and oil message. Though we said no to them they didn't leave us. They followed us all the way to the boating point asking for the same in spite of all our 'No's. We came to know that a few paths one of which is towards the hanging bridge where you get a perfect straight view of the falls are blocked and no one is allowed as the water levels was raised due to the recent rains and also the because of the water from the dam.

0900: After long negotiations regarding the boats  with some of the men (later came to  know that they are  middle men)  in all the languages we could, made the deal for the boats. Took 3 boats for all of us. Splited into the follwing teams:

Jordan, Raja, Anand, Krishna.

Somu, Rajesh, Leela Sarma.

Goldie, Habib, Satya (The Heavy Weight Champions).

Lucky enough to get some nice experienced boat riders. These people also carry an identity card given by the Govt. of TN. They said all differently from what we head regarding the place which was termed as a dangerous place. After a ride for some time we reached a place where we need to walk. 

1030: After walking around 250 meters, again the water way appeared. The boat men carried their boats all the way. Ordered for some fish there and continued towards the water fall. All the boats stopped at a few meters to the falls and from there we have to walk on the rocks in water. The boat men showed us the exact steps to be taken and asked not to take any other path as that is very dangerous. They even helped us in crossing the rocks where it was difficult. None other than me fell :(. Got a side view of the falls. That's an amazing view. A few feet from the edge hardly 3 feet.  Every one enjoyed a lot. We spent some time there watching it. Couldn't take much photos there as the water after hitting the rocks went up in the air and the wind brought the mist all on us.  Everybody's clothes got wet.1115: One of the important things forgot to mention up to now is the new pair of eyes which Somu got ( The Binoculars of course mine). He never left them. Not sure what all he watched with his new pair of eyes. Sometimes he used to watch it even without removing caps of the lenses ;). Got the fish ordered fried and its time for the Oil massage which the boatwala did. A very nice massage. Few of us took it and the others got afraid after seeing that and didn't take even after the guys who took it said it was good. The so called Kumar Raja (Anand) didn't even step into water for his own reasons. He too didn't remove his new skin which he brought recently (as usual someone paid) his new jerkin.

1330: Time went so fast no one noticed. All felt hungry. So finished playing in water and came out. Again after a short walk on land the final boat ride started. 

1345: End of our Boat ride. Worth going the ride. Paid an excess amount for the boat men for the delay (Less than what they asked for before beginning if a delay occurs). The boat men gave their visiting card with a photo and also a mobile no. Only BSNL mobile works there. 

1400: Reached the Cab and started the journey to Krishnagiri Dam.

1420: Stopped the vehicle for the lunch at "The Road (Under a tree)".  Finished the lunch and continued. For a change Leela, Dabba, KuReddy and I got on top of the vehicle after getting permission from the driver. Enjoyed on the top of the cloudy day with the tamarind trees and wires coming on the way. Leela lost his glasses (Which was caught by me when they are flying off and hidden), so almost went off his moods.

1515: Went into the vehicle as we are approaching the Highway.

1540: Stopped the vehicle for a tea break after which I slept in the last seat and not sure what happened in between until we reached Krishnagiri Dam. Of course no one told me also. Hope they also don't know :)

1630: Reached Krishnagiri Dam. Its full with its water level reaching a few inches below to the gates. Right time for a visit.  Went on top of the Dam and spent some time in a park adjacent to it. Took a shortcut (for a difference also) while returning in a way that was across the knee deep flowing waters from the dam.  

1800: Back in cab for returning to Bangalore. On the way back Krishna entertained the people by his actions which he called as dance :)

2000: By God's grace reached Bangalore safe and almost exhausted. Had some rotis and took rest for the day.

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Trip to Mysore

Trip to Mysore.

Date: 15th and 16th July 2006

Team: Jordan, Goldie, Habib, Somu, Satya, Sunil, Krishna, Leela, Babbai and Sarma.

Route: Bangalore->Mysore

Day 1 - 15th July 2006

0700: People promised to be present at 5:30 appeared at last. Krishna accepted to come as Mr.Karthik (Kukka alias Anand) dropped citing some junk reasons of not feeling well (Actually a call came may be from... left to your imagination... after which he dropped). Packed the things and started for the drive.

0730: Outskirts of Bangalore. Starting Drivers – Satya, Goldie, Jordan, Somu and Habib. After Bangalore we noticed that Habib was driving a bicycle (Actually Splendor plus. But he drives like that). So got to take over from him and the other drivers shifted. 

0800: Got on to the highway, the road is good. But still people are moving slowly stopping and meeting so that no one misses out. 

0900: Reached Kamat 50 Kms from Bangalore, for the breakfast. Had a nice breakfast. Forgot to mention the climate was very nice that we didn't see the sun up to now.

0930: Started after breakfast. Shortly it started showering. And the ride was the best I of all I did. Listening to music on Ku's phone which was occasionally disturbed by his girl friends, and driving on a smooth road with very less traffic at high speed. The most enjoyed ride of the trip. 

1040: Stopped by a Bajaj service center for a minor repair and fixing the rear view mirror which was not present for Reddy's Bike.

1140: Missed Srirangapatnam and went a little ahead. Turned back and drove another 4 Kms. 

1150: Reached Srirangapatnam and visited a few historical places of Tippu the Great.

1310: At Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. It was the right time we visited. Its an amazing view with just born chicks and the sounds of the birds. Babbai spotted a Crocodile on the rock with the help of my Binoculars :)

1330: Took the boat and went for the bird watching. It's a nice experience. Came across the Corcs lying on the islands. We were told that these are vegetarian Corcs so everyone relaxed :). The brid count may be in thousands. We also saw Bats as big a crow. The boat trip was enjoyable.

1400: Came out of the waters. The ambiance is pretty nice with many trees around. Wanted a pic of the whole group there. Atlast found some one. Looked he is new for using the cam. Habib gave him training by taking a picture. So stood still but he didn't clicked. Again the training master went and gave him advanced training this time. After much time of posing he took one. Every one was laughing after the photo as the guy who took it looked like he achieved something great :-) and was out of some major trouble. Conveyed our sincere thanks to him. Just went on seeing the places around.

1415: Habib climbed a tree which he was used to; later couldn't get down as he knows only climbing. With lot of effort at last he came down and we continued.

1440: Near to Mysore. All the bikers stopped there to plan where to go in Mysore. Not sure of where to stay. Thought of going into the city and look out for a Lodge/Dorm.

1515: Started conversation with a guy who is coming along and he told that he will show us a place for our stay. We followed him. He took us into all the small streets in Mysore and after a 20 min travel he took us to the place and from there he left. Went in for the enquiry and found that it is reasonable. Decided to stay there with out wasting time on searching for a better one.

1540: Decided to have lunch as all are hungry and for Elka already Elkalu already started running in his stomach. Planned to search for an Andhra style hotel. Came to know about the RR. Went in search of it. Discovered that the place we put up is almost the heart of the city. Looks like to avoid traffic that guy has lead us in all the gullys. Found RR and had a heavy lunch. It was good. From there started to KRS directly.

1730: Very near to KRS. The Sunset, The waters.. The Dam... I felt we went there at a right time. Time for getting the pic of all of us including our bikes now and here is it.

1945: Roamed all along the Gardens, Dam. The receptionist Mr. Ku Reddy was as usual busy with his phone away from the people. Relaxed at the musical fountain and started back. Mr. Ku was graceful enough to join us back with out adding any further delay. On the way decide that we all we go together. Satya leading the way and me at the last so that people dont miss and also the road is bad and driving during nights on that can be dangerous.

2010: Me coming in the last listening to music, enjoying the cool air. Krishna and me stopped twice and then continued. Coz of getting late I rode a little faster to catch up with the guys ahead. On the way found that every one is waiting. I thot its for me, later realised that one bike is missing and Elka the great got lost. Came to know he is coming on the proper way. “Podduna nuchi turning daggara agandra ani cheptane unna (From morning I have been asking to stop at turnings)” on top of Elka's voice. Now all are over cautious and rode very near.

2030: Reached the Lodge. As time is there wanted to do window shopping on the Devaraj Urs Rd. All went to see it. Nothing very great about it. But was the biggest commercial road in Mysore.

2115: Had dinner at the Mobile hotels. Ate all the local food available. Then went to Lodge and called it a day.

2200: Lights off after reminding everyone to be ready to go out next morning by 630 am.

Day 2 - 16th July 2006

06:00: Woke up and found a few are already out of beds. Getting ready for going out.

0745: Got out of the lodge and started towards Chamundi Hills. Habib, Sunil and Goldie opted to stay back and rest. The remaining continued.

0830: The morning is very cloudy and cool. The ride to the hill on the ghat road is very good. The clouds are at a very less height that we could see the upper half of the micro wave tower on the hill.

0930: All went in to the temple. I'm outside waiting for my frens to complete the darsanam. After that visited the Nandi and started back to Mysore. Had breakfast at the road side. Was good. Satya was very much interested in visiting the Lalitha Mahal Palace though I said its a hotel and not a historical place to visit. He said many things to prove that it is not a Hotel. Only after getting confirmed from the security at the palace gate he turned back.

1030: Went to zoo. The biggest zoo I ever visited. Also the only zoo that hosts a Gorilla in India.:) Animals and Birds are Pretty nice there.

1200: Came out of the zoo with legs paining after a long walk in the zoo. But it was enjoyable. By this time the remaining 3 went to the palace. We joined them there.

13:00: All of us met and Shiek wanted to leave as his camel left along with his tent. So he left Bangalore along with Sunil

1400: Out of Mysore palace. Went to room for packing up the things. Few of us wanted to visit the Jagan Mohan Art Gallery which is opposite to our lodge. 

1445: At Jagan Mohan Art Gallery. It was wonderful. We went to the Ravi Varma's painitings on the first floor. They are awesome. The imagination level and the detail of the pictures are marvelous. Spent most of the time there. After coming out of the room didn't want to see any other paintings. Came back to the Room.

1530: Checked out of the lodge and started moving towards Bangalore finding some place for lunch. Stopped at the St. Philomena Church for some time and continued. Got some Dabha on the way and stopped there for lunch.

1715: Finished lunch and started from there. After coming some 3Kms saw every one stopped there. Came to know Panthulu the Great (Sarma) left his bag in the Dabha. I went back along with him to pick it up. While starting we all decided to meet at Kamat.

1825: Reached Kamat. I was the first to reach. Came non stop from Mysore. Around 96Kms in 75 mins clocking the top speed of 117Kmph. Then one by one started and by 1840 all reached had tea and continued.

2030: Reached the base camp at Srinivagilu Bakery. Had a nice trip with out any problems by God's Grace.

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